Your car is a target - avoid being hacked or robbed

Ever heard of rapping? Your key fob In aluminum foil? It sounds weird, but it’s a smart move.

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Your key fob’s signal is surprisingly easy for criminals to intercept. This allows them to open your car Without any alarm. If you have a genuine keyless car model, they will simply drive off. Wrapping it in foil blocks the signals.

It’s no surprise that your car is targeted. It’s probably one of your most valuable possessions. Let’s take a look Some scams Right now, it’s targeting car owners and new ride buyers.

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Cloned VIN scam

A Boston woman paid nearly $40,000 for an SUV on Facebook MarketplaceThe Carfax report looked legitimate, and Marielle Bouter received a clean title from the licensing agency. All went well for about three years … until the police seized the vehicle.

Bouter was a theft victim when she bought her 2019 Toyota 4Runner, which was stolen VIN cloning scam,

It all starts with a stolen car or maybe a car that has been totally destroyed by the insurance company. The scammer finds the same make, model and year and gets the VIN number from that car. It’s as simple as taking a picture through the windshield.

Next, the fraudster replaces the VIN plate of the stolen or destroyed vehicle with the VIN plate of the clean vehicle. Now, the fraudster can complete the sale by creating fake documents.

Unfortunately, these scams are hard to spot. If you’re in the market and buying from a private seller:

Use a site like CarFax or AutoCheck to look for any abnormalities in the VIN.
Compare the VIN stamped on the car (near the windshield and on the doors) with the car’s title deed and all other documents provided by the seller.
Look for signs of damage to the VIN plate. Run your finger over the area.
Consider paying a mechanic or car inspection service to look for major problems or red flags.

Bouter’s story has a happy ending: His insurance company paid his claim on the stolen car. Not every victim is so lucky, however, so if you’re thinking of buying a new vehicle, be sure to do your due diligence.

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Watch a recent episode of the Kim Komando Podcast: Insurance companies use drones to monitor your home

Not the only car scam on Facebook Marketplace

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Fort Lauderdale. Posting your neighbors’ cars for rent on FB Marketplace. The scammer collected the deposit and then sent the renters to the car owners real addresses.

a neighbor said Eight People kept coming to his house for three weeks. Another man’s car was vandalized by an angry tenant.

Never pay upfront for a rental through a community sales platform. In fact, it’s best to stick with a legitimate rental company.

An old attack

Cybercriminals can also use old methods denial of service attacks to pressurize your vehicle, and turn off vital functions such as airbags, anti-lock brakes and door locks.

(Issouf Sanogo/AFP via Getty Images)

This attack is possible because some connected cars have built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. Just like regular home Wi-Fi networks, they can also steal your data by intruding into your car’s local network.

Besides, it is also a matter of physical security. Remember, modern cars use multiple computers and engine control modules to run. If hackers take down these systems, they can put you in serious danger.

It is important to change your car’s onboard Wi-Fi network password regularly. It is also a good idea to turn off the car’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when the car is not in use.

Built-in monitoring is also a security risk

Every new car has an on-board diagnostics port. This interface allows mechanics to access your car’s data, read error codes and statistics, and even program new keys.

One can purchase an exploit kit that can use this port to replicate keys and program new keys so they can be used to steal vehicles.

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Always go to a reputable mechanic. A physical steering wheel lock can also give you extra peace of mind.

Mobile Malware

Another old-fashioned Internet hack reaches connected cars, particularly models with Internet connectivity and built-in Web browsers.

How to prevent malware from moving from old computer to new computer

A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)

Crooks can send you emails and messages with malicious links and attachments that can install malware on your car’s system. Once the malware is installed, anything is possible. Car systems don’t have built-in malware protection (yet), so it can be hard to identify.